Looking for drinks that start with G? This guide covers the lot: everyday soft drinks, fruit juices, teas, coffees, smoothies, cocktails, beers and spirits. It is useful for alphabet food challenges, quizzes, themed parties, menu planning, school activities or simply settling a word game argument at the kitchen table.

You will find familiar UK supermarket favourites such as ginger beer, grape juice and gin and tonic, alongside global drinks like glögg, grappa, guava juice and Greek coffee. I have also included a few budget tips, because drinks can quietly bump up the weekly shop if you are not careful.

Quick list of drinks that start with G

Here is a handy at-a-glance list before we get into the details.

Non-alcoholic drinks that start with G

Ginger beer

Ginger beer is one of the best-known drinks beginning with G. It is fizzy, fiery and usually non-alcoholic, although traditional fermented versions can contain alcohol, so always check the label. In the UK, it is easy to find in supermarkets, corner shops and budget ranges.

It works well on its own with ice and lime, or as a mixer for a Dark and Stormy-style drink. For a cheaper option, supermarket own-brand ginger beer is often very good, especially if you prefer a bolder ginger kick.

Ginger ale

Ginger ale is lighter and sweeter than ginger beer. It is a popular mixer for whisky, brandy and mocktails, but it is also a pleasant soft drink by itself. If ginger beer feels too strong, ginger ale is the gentler choice.

Money-saving tip: buy larger bottles rather than small cans if you are serving several people, but only if you know it will be used before it goes flat.

Grape juice

Grape juice can be made from red, white or purple grapes. It is naturally sweet, so a little goes a long way. It can be served chilled, diluted with sparkling water or used as a simple non-alcoholic alternative to wine at a family meal.

For packed lunches, check the label for added sugar and portion size. Pure fruit juice is still best enjoyed in modest amounts because of its natural sugars.

Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice is sharp, citrusy and refreshing. Pink grapefruit juice tends to taste a little sweeter than white grapefruit juice. It is lovely with sparkling water and ice, and it is also used in cocktails such as the Greyhound and Paloma-style drinks.

Food note: grapefruit can interact with some medicines. If you take regular medication, follow the advice on your medicine leaflet or ask a pharmacist.

Guava juice

Guava juice is a tropical drink with a strong, fragrant flavour. You will often find it in world food aisles, Asian supermarkets and Caribbean shops. It can be quite thick, so it is nice diluted with chilled water, lemonade or sparkling water.

If you are buying cartons, compare the price per litre rather than the shelf price. Some smaller cartons look cheap but cost more overall.

Green tea

Green tea is a simple, affordable drink that starts with G. It has a lighter taste than black tea and can be served plain, with lemon, mint or a little honey. Do not use boiling water straight from the kettle if you want a smoother cup; let it cool slightly first, as very hot water can make green tea taste bitter.

Loose-leaf green tea can be better value than bags if you drink it often, but bags are handy for work and travel.

Ginger tea

Ginger tea is easy to make at home with fresh ginger. Slice a small piece, pour over hot water, steep for several minutes and add lemon or honey if you like. It is warming, cheap and useful when you want something comforting that is not another cup of builder’s tea.

Fresh ginger freezes well. Keep a knob in the freezer and grate it straight into hot water, stir-fries or soups.

Golden milk

Golden milk is a warm turmeric-based drink, often made with milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and black pepper. You can use dairy milk or a plant-based alternative. It has an earthy, spiced flavour and is especially good on cold evenings.

To keep costs down, make your own spice mix rather than buying expensive ready-made sachets. A little turmeric goes a long way.

Green smoothie

A green smoothie usually contains leafy greens such as spinach or kale, blended with fruit and liquid. A simple budget version uses a handful of spinach, a ripe banana, an apple and water or milk. Frozen spinach and frozen fruit are often cheaper than fresh and reduce waste.

If your fruit bowl is looking tired, smoothies are a good way to use soft bananas, bruised apples and leftover berries before they end up in the bin.

Grenadine lemonade

Grenadine lemonade is a bright, sweet soft drink made by adding a splash of grenadine syrup to lemonade. In the UK, lemonade usually means a clear fizzy soft drink, which makes this an easy party drink for children and adults who are not drinking alcohol.

Grenadine is sweet, so start with a small amount. A single bottle can last ages if used sparingly.

Grass jelly drink

Grass jelly drink is popular in parts of East and South East Asia. It usually contains cubes or strands of dark herbal jelly in a sweet drink, sometimes with milk or syrup. The texture is the main appeal, a little like bubble tea but softer.

You may find tins or cartons in Asian supermarkets. Chill well before serving.

Gazoz

Gazoz is a fizzy soft drink found in countries including Turkey and Israel, often fruit-flavoured and colourful. Modern versions can be made with soda water, fruit syrup, herbs and fresh fruit. Think of it as a playful homemade soda rather than a fixed recipe.

For a budget version, mix sparkling water with a little fruit squash, lemon juice and chopped fresh fruit.

Ganne ka juice

Ganne ka juice is sugarcane juice, popular in India and other parts of South Asia. It is made by pressing sugarcane and is usually served fresh with lime or ginger. In the UK, it is more likely to appear at specialist food stalls or restaurants than in an ordinary supermarket.

As with any fresh juice, buy from somewhere clean and reputable, and drink it soon after it is made.

Coffees and hot drinks beginning with G

Greek coffee

Greek coffee is a strong coffee made by boiling finely ground coffee with water, usually in a small long-handled pot. It is served in small cups with the grounds settled at the bottom. Do not drink the last gritty mouthful unless you enjoy chewing coffee grounds.

It is traditionally made in different sweetness levels, from unsweetened to very sweet. At home, you need very finely ground coffee rather than standard cafetière grounds.

Gingerbread latte

A gingerbread latte is a seasonal coffee-shop favourite, usually flavoured with gingerbread syrup and topped with milk foam. It is tasty, but buying one regularly can get expensive.

Make a cheaper version at home with coffee, warmed milk, a pinch of ginger and cinnamon, and a small spoonful of brown sugar or syrup. It will not be identical to the high street version, but it scratches the same itch for far less.

Glögg

Glögg is a Nordic mulled drink, often made with red wine, warming spices, citrus, sugar, raisins and almonds. Non-alcoholic versions can be made with grape juice or blackcurrant juice. It is especially popular around Christmas and winter gatherings.

If you are making a non-alcoholic glögg-style drink, gently warm grape juice with orange peel, cloves, cinnamon and a little ginger. Do not boil it hard; a gentle heat gives a better flavour.

Alcoholic drinks that start with G

Here are some well-known alcoholic drinks beginning with G. Drink responsibly, keep an eye on measures at home, and provide soft options if you are hosting.

Gin and tonic

Gin and tonic is probably the most famous G drink in the UK. It is made with gin, tonic water and a garnish such as lime, lemon, cucumber or herbs. The choice of tonic makes a big difference, so you do not always need an expensive gin to make a decent drink.

Budget tip: buy tonic in larger bottles for parties, but use cans or small bottles if you only drink it occasionally. Flat tonic ruins the drink.

Gimlet

A gimlet is a simple cocktail made with gin and lime, often lime cordial. It is sharp, clean and easy to make. Some modern versions use fresh lime juice and sugar syrup instead of cordial.

If you already have gin in the cupboard, a gimlet is one of the cheaper cocktails to make because it needs very few ingredients.

Greyhound

A Greyhound is made with gin or vodka and grapefruit juice. It is bright, tart and refreshing. Salt the rim and it becomes close to a Salty Dog, which is another classic grapefruit-based cocktail.

Carton grapefruit juice is usually fine for casual mixing, while fresh juice gives a sharper flavour.

Grasshopper

A Grasshopper is a sweet, minty dessert cocktail made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao and cream. It is not an everyday drink, but it is fun for retro parties or after-dinner menus.

Because it needs two liqueurs, it is not the cheapest cocktail to make from scratch. If you are on a budget, only buy the ingredients if you know you will use them again.

Godfather

The Godfather is a simple two-ingredient cocktail made with whisky and amaretto. It is strong, sweet and nutty. A common approach is to serve it over ice in a short glass.

It is a good example of a drink where supermarket own-brand amaretto can work perfectly well, especially when mixed.

Godmother

A Godmother is similar to the Godfather but uses vodka instead of whisky, mixed with amaretto. It is smoother and sweeter, with less of the whisky warmth.

Serve it over plenty of ice and measure carefully, as sweet drinks can be deceptively strong.

Gibson

A Gibson is a martini-style cocktail made with gin and dry vermouth, garnished with a pickled cocktail onion instead of an olive or lemon twist. It is a sharp, savoury drink for people who like classic cocktails.

If you buy vermouth, store it in the fridge after opening and use it within the guidance on the bottle for the best flavour.

Gin fizz

A gin fizz is made with gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water. It is lighter than many short cocktails and easy to adapt. You can make it sweeter, sharper or longer depending on your taste.

Soda water is usually cheaper than premium mixers, making this a good party option if you already have gin.

Golden Dream

The Golden Dream is a creamy cocktail usually made with Galliano, orange liqueur, orange juice and cream. It is sweet, fragrant and more of a pudding drink than a pre-dinner sharpener.

It is less common in home bars because Galliano is a specialist bottle, but it earns its place on a list of drinks that start with G.

Guinness

Guinness is a dark Irish stout with a creamy head and roasted flavour. It is widely available in pubs, cans and bottles. It can be drunk on its own or used in cooking, especially in stews and rich gravies.

If you only need stout for a recipe, compare own-brand stout or other dark beers as they may be cheaper.

Grappa

Grappa is an Italian spirit made from the grape skins, seeds and stems left after winemaking. It is strong, aromatic and usually served in small measures after a meal.

It is not typically used as a budget mixer, but it is a useful G drink for quizzes and alphabet food lists.

Grog

Grog traditionally refers to rum mixed with water, and sometimes lime and sugar. The exact meaning has changed over time, but it remains associated with sailors, rum and simple mixed drinks.

A modern grog-style drink can be made with rum, hot water, lime and a little sugar, rather like a stripped-back hot toddy.

Money-saving tips for G drinks

Drinks are one of those shopping categories where small habits make a noticeable difference. Here are a few practical ways to spend less without feeling deprived.

• Use concentrates wisely: Squash, cordial and syrups such as grenadine can be good value if you use the recommended amount rather than pouring freely.
• Buy own-brand mixers: Own-brand ginger ale, tonic, lemonade and soda water are often perfectly good, especially in cocktails.
• Dilute strong juices: Grape, guava and grapefruit juice can be mixed with water or sparkling water to make them last longer.
• Freeze fruit for smoothies: Bananas, grapes and berries can be frozen before they spoil, then used in green smoothies.
• Make hot drinks from basics: Ginger tea, golden milk and spiced grape juice are much cheaper when made from store cupboard ingredients.
• Avoid buying too many specialist bottles: Cocktails such as Grasshopper and Golden Dream require liqueurs that may sit unused. Plan a few drinks that use the same bottle before buying.
• Check price per litre: Big bottles are not always better value, especially on promotions. The shelf label usually tells you the price per litre.

Best G drinks for different occasions

FAQs about drinks that start with G

What are some common drinks that start with G?

Common drinks that start with G include ginger beer, ginger ale, grape juice, grapefruit juice, guava juice, green tea, gin and tonic, Guinness and Greek coffee.

What soft drinks start with G?

Soft drinks beginning with G include ginger beer, ginger ale, grenadine lemonade, gazoz, grape soda, guava juice drinks and some grapefruit-flavoured fizzy drinks.

What alcoholic drinks start with G?

Alcoholic G drinks include gin and tonic, gimlet, Greyhound, Grasshopper, Godfather, Godmother, Gibson, gin fizz, Guinness, grappa, grog and glögg made with wine.

What hot drinks start with G?

Hot drinks that start with G include green tea, ginger tea, Greek coffee, golden milk, gingerbread latte and warm glögg or non-alcoholic spiced grape juice.

What is a healthy drink that starts with G?

Green tea, ginger tea and a homemade green smoothie can all be sensible choices, depending on how they are made. With juices such as grape, grapefruit and guava, keep portions modest because fruit juice contains natural sugars.

What is the cheapest drink beginning with G to make at home?

Ginger tea is one of the cheapest. You only need fresh ginger and hot water, with lemon or honey if you have them. Green tea can also be very affordable, especially if bought in larger packs.

Can I use this list for an alphabet food challenge?

Yes. This list of drinks that start with G is ideal for alphabet food challenges, quizzes, school projects, party themes and menu ideas. For an easy non-alcoholic choice, pick ginger beer, grape juice or green tea. For an adult cocktail theme, gin and tonic, gimlet and Greyhound are simple options.